Zulqarnain Haider Case Updates - - ICC Offered Help to Pakistan Wicketkeeper, Only If He Needs It

After the decision to retire citing death threats; ICC has offered any help to Pakistan wicket-keeper, Zulqarnain Haider, if he needs.

According to an ICC statement “The ICC has today (Tuesday) confirmed that it is in regular communication with the Pakistan Cricket Board and has offered to support the PCB in its current investigations into the reasons behind wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider's decision to leave the Pakistan team on the morning of the final ODI (one-day international) against South Africa in Dubai.”

“At the same time, the ICC has also offered Haider, who left the UAE (United Arab Emirates) for London, any help he needs.”

Haroon Lorgat further added, “Clearly this is in the first instance a team matter for Pakistan cricket but the ICC is willing to provide assistance to the PCB and the player.”

“We understand his plight if reports are indeed true, but we can only help if he is willing to engage with us.”

The PCB will look into Zulqarnain Haider's case and said he should have informed management about the threats, but according to Haider, he kept quiet to protect other players.

"If I had told the PCB or players, it would've gotten out and then who knows? If I had told any of the other players, it might have put them in trouble also," he said.

Zulqarnain Haider further told that he was threatened in the team's hotel in Dubai, after playing a decisive knock of 19* runs  in Pakistan's victory over South Africa in the 4th ODI in the UAE on November 5, 2010.

"When I went out of the hotel to eat dinner once he came up. He was alone but I felt there were two-three people behind him. I can describe him. He spoke Urdu but I cannot describe the accent accurately," Haider said.

"He said 'You will make lots of money if you join us and help us. If not, then staying in the team could be difficult and we can make things difficult for you.' I don't know why I was approached and others weren't."

PCB spokesperson Nadeem Sarwar expressed his disappointment Tuesday over Haider's behaviour, telling AFP: "We briefed all the players about sharing information with the team management and there is a security manager travelling with the team.

"It’s unfortunate that Haider has not made any contact with team management or with the PCB."